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Among their many important functions, fatty acids form the building blocks of lipid molecules, contribute to the structure of cell membranes and hormones, and provide your cells with energy. Saturated fatty acids are generally thought to promote heart disease, while unsaturated fatty acids are considered to be a healthier source of dietary fat. Two fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, are regarded as essential, meaning that your body requires them for health but cannot produce them from other fatty acids, so you must obtain them through your diet.

Linoleic Acid Functions and Sources

Linoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, is necessary for healthy brain function, skin and hair growth, bone density, energy production and reproductive health. Diets containing 5 to 10 percent of calories as omega-6 fatty acids may decrease the risk of heart disease, according to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. The ideal ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is 2:1 to 4:1, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, the standard Western diet provides omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in excess of 14 times that of omega-3 fatty acids. A common fatty acid in the seeds of many plant foods, linoleic acid is found abundantly in safflower, sunflower, soybean and corn oils, and it makes up 85 to 90 percent of dietary omega-6 fatty acids. Pine nuts, pecans and Brazil nuts are also high in linoleic acid.

Linoleic Acid and Inflammation

Your body can convert linoleic acid into two forms, one of which is arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that supports brain and muscle function and also promotes inflammation. Through another pathway, linoleic acid becomes an inflammation-inhibiting omega-6 fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid, or GLA. Though GLA is not commonly found in dietary oils, borage, evening primrose and black current seed oils are good sources of supplemental GLA. Certain conditions may respond well to GLA supplementation, including diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and menstrual and menopausal disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Linolenic Acid Sources and Benefits

Linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid found in certain plant foods, notably flaxseeds, canola oil, soy beans and pumpkin seeds, in the form known as alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Your body converts ALA, an essential fatty acid, into the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexanoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentanoic acid, or EPA, which exert cholesterol- and inflammation-lowering benefits, thin the blood, and contribute to healthy cell membranes and brain function. These fatty acids may also help prevent and treat some forms of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune conditions, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid and Heart Health

Apha-linolenic acid might help improve your cardiovascular health, according to a tissue culture study published in the November 2012 issue of "Cytotechnology." Fat cells treated with ALA showed decreased activity of eight different genes that promote cholesterol and triglyceride production. The fatty acid also promoted fat-burning in the study. A review of previously published research, including more than 250,000 people, that appeared in the December 2012 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that ALA consumption offered moderate protection from heart disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends including 1 to 2 grams of ALA a day in your diet. Flaxseeds have 2.2 grams per tablespoon, canola oil provides 1.3 grams per tablespoon, and walnuts have 0.7 gram per tablespoon.